The holiday season is in full swing, and while folks are out decking the halls, secular group American Atheists is back with yet another controversial holiday billboard.

This year, the group funded a two-story Times Square billboard in New York City that urged passersby to “Keep the Merry” of Christmas, but “Dump the Myth” of Jesus Christ.

American Atheists raised $25,000 for the billboard, which will run through the entire Holiday season. And while some wonder why the group has taken a jab at Christianity, while excluding other religions that celebrate around this time of year, a spokesman for American Atheists told Fox News that’s it’s time people to celebrate Christmas without feeling pressured to believe in Christ.

“Most Christians are really atheists who feel trapped in their family’s religion,” David Silverman, American Atheists president, told Fox News. “They need not be Christian to enjoy the holiday season.

“The true beauty of the season—family, friends, and love—have nothing to do with the gods of yesteryear. Indeed, the season is far more enjoyable without the religious baggage of guilt and judgmentalism. Dump the myth and have a happy holiday season.”

Predictably, Christians aren’t too keen on the group’s billboard. The Catholic League, one of American Atheists biggest critics, have been outspoken about the billboard.

“This year it’s different,” Bill Donohue, the Catholic League spokesman, said. “This is vile. When you depict Jesus on the cross with a crown of thorns, this is exploitative. We as Christians never harass, intimidate or insult atheists. But they can’t seem to say, ‘We simply disagree with you.’ They have to insult us.”

While American Atheists have the right to share their views, it seems a bit disingenuous that they are critical of those want to incorporate their religious view into their holiday celebrations simply because they don’t.

What do you think of the billboard?

Source: Times Square Atheist Billboard Says ‘Dump The Myth’ With A Picture Of Jesus Christ [Inquisitr]

I just wanna know why the majority of atheist attack Christianity as there basis as why they don’t believe in God. I don’t follow Christianity, but am a theist, but have noticed that many atheists don’t even bother bringing up other religions when giving their reasoning for their beliefs. It’s like they see they religions occupied by browner people (i.e. Islam) not even worth bringing up or acknowledging.

Keepitreal

Because everyone and their mama knows how some followers of the “religion of peace” would react.

Gee, really? I do not remember going through hell as a African American at the hands of Buddhists or Hindus, but Christianity, has been hell for African-Americans. Since our ancestors were brought here, maybe I’m wrong.

sbee3

I think Jesus would be more outraged by poverty and treatment of the children and elderly. He’d probably bypass Times Square completely.

yumm

On point!

Orange Starr Happy Hunting

@ deemyselfandi. really? Are you sure of that, something that directly goes against creation, something that other civilizations were destroyed for???? mmmmmm